Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust

Evelina Children’s Hospital

Guides for children

Evelina London Healthcare approached us in 2012 with a challenge: how can we make our new building easier for children and families to navigate? Art in Site worked with Japanese manga artist Kiriko Kubo to develop a series of illustrated characters – the “Evelina Gang” – who act as friendly guides around the main site of the hospital.

The gang points the way, offering information and words of encouragement, using child-friendly language.

Unlike purely word-based wayfinding schemes for adults, the gang integrate playfully with the environment, brining charm and humour to the patient journey.

The trust had named departments according to a geographical theme. In order to bring these names to life, Kiriko developed an extension to the gang: a cast of flora and fauna exemplifying each region, that greets children walking into a new department.

A broad demographic range

The gang encompasses a broad demographic of children of varied ages, abilities, and ethnicities. This helps to reinforce the message that everyone is welcome at hospital.

Sending out a message

Since 2013, the gang has been developed further for other departments across Evelina Children’s Hospital, and has become an iconic part of its culture and identity.

Impact

The much beloved Evelina Gang... has become an iconic part of the hospital’s culture and identity.